Former Auburn and Arkansas State RB Dyer hopes to land at third school

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Former Auburn and Arkansas State running back Michael Dyer says he would prefer to play college football rather than enter the NFL supplemental draft.

After drug- and weapon-related run-ins, the former Little Rock Christian star told ESPN.com in an interview Monday he needs to right some wrongs and believes the college stage is the best place to do it.

"I want a chance to show people my character is better than it was in the past," Dyer said. "I want to clear my name. I understand the reasons I am in this situation. I placed myself here. I take responsibility."

Dyer, 22, was the offensive MVP of the national championship game won by Auburn following the 2010 season. He transferred to Arkansas State to follow Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn but was suspended after being caught with a gun during a traffic stop before ever playing a down.

He has since obtained a two-year degree from Arkansas Baptist. He has two years of college eligibility remaining.

Dyer, who did not return calls from The Associated Press, said he would like to select a new school by the end of next week. An uncle said there have been some nibbles from Illinois State, Troy and Western Kentucky, which is now coached by former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino.

"I think God is going to allow me to get my life back to where it's supposed to be," Dyer said. "I don't want to be a person who ends up as a nothing. My heart and my dreams are still alive. They're still there."